Silence In The Bible: The Practice Of Silence

The practice of Silence is observed during different intervals of the day; practitioners talk when they need to but maintain a sense of Silence or a sense of prayer when talking. The rules of Silence apply to both: those who take a vow of silence and to also those who have not. Though Silence is an accepted practice or custom, Christianity does not criticize or express disproval of the contrary when it is justified. According to Andrew March of the Benedictine order, one can listen to genuine speech for hours but can’t tolerate five minutes of merely talkative speech. Silence here also includes quietness i.e. speaking in low voice tones. Silence is considered not an absence of words or thoughts - but as a positive and genuine presence.

1- A: Silence in Old Testament

The Old Testament is part of the Bible which contains the scriptures of the Hebrews. This book contains the psalms - the sacred songs.

Andrew

Isaac of Syria was also called the “Saint of Silence.” For the thesis at hand, the sayings of St. Isaac about the significance, effects and utility of Silence cannot be over-emphasized. He says, "Silence is the mystery of the world to come. Speech is the organ of this present world. More than all things love Silence: it brings a fruit that the tongue cannot describe. In the beginning, one should force oneself to be silent. But then from our very Silence is born something that draws us into deeper Silence. May God give you an experience of this 'something ' that is born of Silence. If you practice this, inexpressible light will dawn upon you." - The monk’s spiritual directions do not show Silence as a noncompulsory side of the Christian life but as an essential component of it. Without Silence, St. Isaac teaches, the Christian experience lackluster, without the intense intimacy with God, the remorse, the spiritual calm, or the wonder that should depict it. Devoid of Silence, Christian life is considered flat and without